Book Review: The Guncle Abroad

 

From the nationally bestselling author of The Guncle comes the much-anticipated sequel, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties…at a big, family wedding in Lake Como, Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is finally in a league of his own…professionally. Inspired by his stint as Grant and Maisie’s caretaker after their mother’s passing, Patrick has "un-stalled" his acting career with sit-com, Guncle Knows Best. Still, some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single and lonely after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has family, right?

When his brother Greg announces his big, second wedding in Lake Como, Italy, Patrick feels pulled toward Grant and Maisie and flies to Europe to attend the lavish event, only to butt heads with a newfound Launt (Lesbian Aunt), curb his sister Clara from flirting with guests, and desperately restore himself to the favored relative status in the eyes of the kids, as they struggle to adjust to a new normal. But is it Patrick’s job to save the day? Or is simply celebrating love enough to quell the family chaos?

Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley delivers the long-awaited sequel to a beloved story, all about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.

My Review

Patrick aka Guncle is back again. This time we get familiar with his brother and sister. Patrick's brother, Greg is getting married to his fiancé, Livia. It will be a family affair with his sister, Clara coming for the wedding. This means that it is up to Patrick to do is uncle duties again and watch Grant and Maisie.

I did not realize just how much I missed Patrick, Grant, and Maisie until this book. Maisie and Grant are more grown up, so they are not as easily charmed by Patrick's words of wisdom, which are a lot from movie/tv show references. Yet, these three share a special bond with each other. 

It was nice getting to know Maisie and Grant's father. He is a good father. Clara is a hoot. She and Patrick share their sense of humor. So, you can imagine the fun times they shared and then you add into the mix, Livia's lesbian sister, Palmina. Fun all around. I absolutely loved every moment of this book.